Dawn Staley, head coach for the women's basketball team at Temple University, was recently awarded the Distinguished Alumna Award for 2006 by the University of Virginia's Women Center.
Staley played on the University's women's basketball team from 1989 to 1992 under coach Debbie Ryan.
"[Staley] has done so many things outside of basketball that make me proud of her," Ryan said.
Not only was Staley an incredible basketball player, but she always put others before herself, Ryan said.
Staley's resume includes professional basketball player in the Women's National Basketball Association and established college coach at Temple University. She was also honored as the 2004 Olympic flag bearer, according to Craig Littlepage, the University athletic director.
"[These accomplishments] are just a snapshot about how widely respected she is," Littlepage said.
While at the University, Staley's list of accomplishments was also very impressive, Littlepage said.
Staley was the NCAA Player of the Year two years in a row, ACC Most Valuable Player, First Team All-American and led the team in assists.
Littlepage added that although she was a good scorer, she always made the other players on the court look better, which is apparent by her exceptional assist statistics.
"[Staley] is that level of icon where you only need to use her first name and people know who you're talking about," he said.
She has not only impacted the nation, but the entire world, Ryan said.
"Wherever she goes, she's an ambassador," she added.
Staley's impressive resume does not compare to the quality of person she is, Littlepage said.
"I think she is just a magnificent person in that she has a love for the sport of basketball--just as much as a love for the country, as shown by her participation in the Olympics--and a love for the University," he said.
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